Only one of three flashes fired. The sync speed on the old Pentax 67 was 1/30th of a second and I was hand holding the camera. One side is over exposed while the other side is wildly underexposed. When I tried to print the negative nothing really worked. And yet, years later I've realized that I really like the image. It has an energy that perfect portraits rarely achieve.
I'm glad I didn't have Polaroid or instant review because in my pursuit of "correct technique" I would surely have thrown away the image and moved on. I have many technically correct images that are much less interesting to me. The camera doesn't have to be an exacting Xerox machine in order to make your own art. Not always.
I like it, too. It is interesting, it has a somewhat mysterious aura. The fact that the shadow goes down her nose makes it very dramatic.
ReplyDeleteIn the history of photography, there have been images that are technically "flawed" and stand out as images of not just historical significance but as aesthetic masterpieces as well. Certainly the work of Robert Capra's mise en scene of the D-Day invasion come to mind. Not only do the processing 'flaws' not detract from the power of those images, they actually add a dimensionality to them, a vibrance that resonates still, and a palpable energy that makes them the stand out photographs they are.
ReplyDeleteConversely, I have seen far too many technically "perfect" images that are absolutely devoid of any interest at all.
FWIW, I like this portrait too.
i can't find the english translation, it is originally a french book http://www.amazon.com/Breve-historia-fotografico-Spanish-Edition/dp/6074551901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361178845&sr=8-1&keywords=clement+cheroux+error . Worth a read, IMO :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful.
ReplyDeletei like this. I much prefer a photo with a character, a soul in it and some technical failure than a technically perfect photo without soul, as I see in many amateur contests.
ReplyDeleterobert
PS: of course it does not mean as photographers we do not need to know the technical side of our passion.
The model's expression is perfect, too. Makes you wonder what's going on in that shadow. A happy accident.
ReplyDeleteMistakes made on film can be wonderful. If you had shot this on a digital cam there is a good chance you would have simply deleted it for being fuzzy, or the ibis on the camera would have compensated for the slow shutter speed, ruining quite an interesting and effective photograph.
ReplyDeleteI love happy accidents. They are a large reason I enjoy film photography and an almost essential element with rangefinder photography.
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ReplyDeleteReminds of Patti Smith horses cover
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Me too.
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